Abstract: The present invention concerns methods of treating a patient suffering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI), comprising contacting said patient's blood with a sorbent for an inflammatory mediator and kits for performing such treatments.

Abstract: A lid that retains a pump tube which is elastic; a finger driving unit that is disposed facing the lid with the pump tube interposed therebetween, and that causes a plurality of fingers to sequentially move in the direction of contacting and separating from the lid; and a pump tube opening/closing mechanism that causes the finger driving unit to advance towards and retract from the lid, and that closes and opens the pump tube which is disposed between the fingers and the lid.

Abstract: An occlusion catheter system for full or partial occlusion of a vessel includes an occlusion balloon. The balloon is positioned in a folded, uninflated configuration around a central shaft, a proximal shaft, and a distal shaft of the occlusion catheter system, having an outer diameter less than seven French. The balloon is constructed of a semi-compliant or non-compliant material and is sized to have a blown diameter between approximately ten percent to sixty percent greater than the inner diameter of the vessel, whereby an outer surface of the balloon comes into full diametric contact with an inner surface of the vessel upon partial inflation of the balloon and folds are formed in the outer surface of the balloon. The folds define flow channels with inner surfaces of the vessel or with portions of the outer surface of the balloon that allow partial blood flow past the balloon.

Abstract: An extracorporeal system for lung assist includes a housing which includes a blood flow inlet in fluid connection with a pressurizing stator compartment, a fiber bundle compartment in fluid connection with the pressurizing stator compartment via a flow channel within the housing, and a blood flow outlet in fluid connection with the fiber bundle compartment. An impeller is rotatably positioned within the pressurizing compartment. The system further includes a fiber bundle with a plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers extending generally perpendicular to the direction of bulk flow of blood through the fiber bundle compartment from the flow channel to the blood flow outlet.

Abstract: A priming subsystem of a cell processing system carries out a method for priming a spinning membrane separator having an inlet and first and second outlets. The method includes opening a first selectable junction disposed between a priming fluid container and the inlet to open a path between the priming fluid container and the inlet, operating a first pump coupled to the first outlet to draw priming fluid from the priming fluid container into the spinning membrane separator, and closing the first selectable junction and a second selectable junction coupled to the second outlet after drawing the priming fluid into the spinning membrane separator. The method further includes operating the first pump after the first selectable junction is closed to draw a vacuum, and opening the first selectable junction after drawing the vacuum.

Abstract: A blood coagulation analyzing method according to one or more aspects may include: calculating a coagulation time based on data representing a coagulation curve of a change in an optical detection value of a blood specimen added with a reagent for starting a coagulation reaction; calculating an index value related to derivatives calculated concerning the coagulation curve represented by the data used in the calculating the coagulation time; and determining whether an early reaction error has occurred based on a comparison result obtained by comparing the index value to a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A portable ultrafiltration device having a suction bellows connected to a tube, passing through a solenoid valve, to a first dialysate connector of a hemofilter incorporated into a blood circuit having arterial lines, extending from a vascular access and passing through a peristaltic pump, and venous lines passing through an electronic safety block to the vascular access, and a second dialysate connector connected to an ultrafiltration pressure sensor. The elements of the portable ultrafiltration device are connected and controlled by an intelligent central unit powered by a rechargeable battery. Liquid collects in the space surrounding the fibres and in the suction bellows until the space is completely full.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are aimed to improve arteriovenous fistula maturation rate by treating the fistula with a crosslink agent solution (fixative solution). The fixative solution will crosslink proteins and biomolecules, allowing formation of crosslinks that stabilize or stable tissue structure. The method and apparatus will address factors that contribute to arteriovenous fistula maturation failure by stopping the neointimal hyperplasia growth after vascular injury and stabilizing the venous wall to prevent the lumen from narrowing.

Abstract: A fluid cassette, for example, a blood treatment cassette having a cassette body embodied as a hard part and, optionally, a film which is connected to the hard part and at least partially covers the hard part, wherein the hard part comprises at least one first alignment device, and a second alignment device which are optionally arranged at first and second opposite sides of the fluid cassette or are attached thereon. The disclosure relates in addition to a blood treatment apparatus.

Abstract: Fluid management in surgical procedures. At least some of the example embodiments are methods including: pumping surgical fluid through a tube to a surgical site by a fluid controller operating in a first mode, the first mode comprising a first relationship of fluid flow and pressure drop across the tube and cannula, and the first mode comprising a first set of proportional, integral, and differential (PID) parameters; and then pumping surgical fluid through the tube to the surgical site with the fluid controller operating in a second mode, the second mode comprising a second relationship of fluid flow and pressure drop across the tube and cannula, the second relationship different than the first relationship, and the second mode comprising a second set of PID parameters used, the second set of PID parameters different than the first set of PID parameters.

Abstract: A biological fluid separation device adapted to receive a biological fluid sample having a first portion and a second portion is disclosed. The device includes a housing having a first chamber having a first chamber inlet for receiving the biological fluid sample therein and a first chamber outlet. The housing has a second chamber having a second chamber inlet and a second chamber outlet, and a separation member separating at least a portion of the first chamber outlet and the second chamber. The separation member is adapted to restrain the first portion of the biological fluid sample within the first chamber and to allow at least a portion of the second portion of the biological fluid sample to pass into the second chamber. An actuator, such as a vacuum source, draws the biological fluid sample into the first chamber and the second portion into the second chamber.

Abstract: Extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus with reservoir status lights and methods of monitoring reservoir status using the same are described. The extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus include a plurality of reservoir scales (30), each of which is configured to weigh a reservoir (32) used in connection with the extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus. A plurality of reservoir status lights (40) are provided, with one or more of the reservoir status lights (40) associated with one of the reservoir scales (30). The one or more reservoir status lights (40) associated with one of the reservoir scales (30) emit light from a location that is closer to their associated reservoir scale than to any other reservoir scale of the extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus.

Abstract: A housing having an interior and an exterior. A pump rotor is configured to be received within the interior of the housing, the pump rotor includes a magnet. A stator having a delivery configuration and an operative configuration is included, the stator in the delivery configuration has a delivery diameter, the stator in the operative configuration being configured to be disposed around the exterior of the housing and to form an assembled pump having a diameter greater than the delivery diameter.

Abstract: A biological fluid separation device adapted to receive a biological fluid sample having a first portion and a second portion is disclosed. The device includes a housing having a first chamber having a first chamber inlet for receiving the biological fluid sample therein and a first chamber outlet. The housing has a second chamber having a second chamber inlet and a second chamber outlet, and a separation member separating at least a portion of the first chamber outlet and the second chamber. The separation member is adapted to restrain the first portion of the biological fluid sample within the first chamber and to allow at least a portion of the second portion of the biological fluid sample to pass into the second chamber. An actuator, such as a vacuum source, draws the biological fluid sample into the first chamber and the second portion into the second chamber.

Abstract: A reserve tank has a container, an outlet component, and an inlet component. The outlet component and the inlet component are mounted on the container. The outlet component has an open end located at a center of the container. The inlet component has a branch portion mounted in the container and an inlet channel in the branch portion. Therefore, when the reserve tank is disposed obliquely, even though the reserve tank is not full of a working liquid and contains some gas, the gas can hardly flow into the open end of the outlet component. In addition, if some gas enters the container through the inlet channel and thus forms bubbles, the bubbles may move upward along part of the branch tunnels extending upward, so the entering bubbles are still far from the open end.

Abstract: Methods and for treatment of cancer and other diseases including complications from late stage viral infections by inducing hyperthermia in a patient relying on withdrawing blood from the patient and returning the withdrawn blood to the patient to establish an extracorporeal flow circuit. Blood is heated by passing through the extracorporeal circuit at a controlled rate until a target body core temperature in is achieved. Usually, the blood will be subjected to a continuously re-circulating dialysis to balance electrolytes. Additionally, the blood will be subjected to a continuously recirculating regeneration through a carbon sorbent column where toxins and contaminants are removed. The blood temperature is maintained at the target blood temperature for a treatment period, and the blood is cooled after the treatment period has been completed.

Abstract: Methods and for treatment of cancer and other diseases including complications from late stage viral infections by inducing hyperthermia in a patient relying on withdrawing blood from the patient and returning the withdrawn blood to the patient to establish an extracorporeal flow circuit. Blood is heated by passing through the extracorporeal circuit at a controlled rate until a target body core temperature in is achieved. Usually, the blood will be subjected to a continuously re-circulating dialysis to balance electrolytes. Additionally, the blood will be subjected to a continuously recirculating regeneration through a carbon sorbent column where toxins and contaminants are removed. The blood temperature is maintained at the target blood temperature for a treatment period, and the blood is cooled after the treatment period has been completed.

Abstract: Methods and for treatment of cancer and other diseases including complications from late stage viral infections by inducing hyperthermia in a patient relying on withdrawing blood from the patient and returning the withdrawn blood to the patient to establish an extracorporeal flow circuit. Blood is heated by passing through the extracorporeal circuit at a controlled rate until a target body core temperature in is achieved. Usually, the blood will be subjected to a continuously re-circulating dialysis to balance electrolytes. Additionally, the blood will be subjected to a continuously recirculating regeneration through a carbon sorbent column where toxins and contaminants are removed. The blood temperature is maintained at the target blood temperature for a treatment period, and the blood is cooled after the treatment period has been completed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for the treatment of edema. In one aspect a method for implanting an indwelling catheter within a vein of a patient is provided. The catheter can extend from a position upstream of at least one outflow port of a duct of the lymph system to a terminal position downstream of the at least one outflow port. In use, a first restriction can be created within the vein proximal to a distal region of the catheter. The first restriction can define a localized low pressure zone distal of the restriction and within a portion of the vein housing the catheter. The low pressure zone can be adjacent to the at least one outflow port to enable fluid to pass from the at least one lymph duct outflow port into the vein.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing stroke by occluding blood flow through the carotid arteries and a left subclavian artery of a patient is provided. The apparatus has a first occluding catheter that carries a first occluding balloon that has an inflated configuration that occludes one of the carotid arteries. The apparatus also includes a second occluding catheter that carries a second occluding balloon that has an inflated configuration that occludes the other one of the carotid arteries. A third occluding balloon is present, that could be on an insertion device, that may occlude the left subclavian artery.

Abstract: A fluid conduit includes a first portion having a first porosity, a second portion disposed immediately adjacent to the first portion, the second portion having a second porosity that is greater than the first porosity, and a third portion of the fluid conduit disposed immediately adjacent to the second portion, the third portion having a third porosity that is less than the second porosity. Each of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion may be integrally formed as a single, continuous piece defining the fluid conduit.

Abstract: A blood oxygenator is disclosed comprising a housing, a blood inlet, a blood outlet, a spiral volute, a gas inlet, an oxygenator fiber bundle, and a gas outlet. The housing encloses the fiber bundle and provides the structure for the blood flow path and connectors. The fiber bundle comprises gas-exchange membranes which transfer oxygen to the blood and remove carbon dioxide when the blood flows across the membranes. The spiral volute guides the blood to flow through the fiber bundle. A gas flow chamber receives sweep gas containing oxygen and distributes the sweep gas into the fiber membranes, which gas is then exchanged with the blood being oxygenated.

Abstract: Methods and for treatment of cancer and other diseases including complications from late stage viral infections by inducing hyperthermia in a patient relying on withdrawing blood from the patient and returning the withdrawn blood to the patient to establish an extracorporeal flow circuit. Blood is heated by passing through the extracorporeal circuit at a controlled rate until a target body core temperature in is achieved. Usually, the blood will be subjected to a continuously re-circulating dialysis to balance electrolytes. Additionally, the blood will be subjected to a continuously recirculating regeneration through a carbon sorbent column where toxins and contaminants are removed. The blood temperature is maintained at the target blood temperature for a treatment period, and the blood is cooled after the treatment period has been completed.

Abstract: The present invention is a UV light box, systems, and methods for irradiating plasma.

Abstract: An oxygenator unit adapted for use in an extracorporeal blood treatment device. The oxygenator unit includes an oxygenator having a gas inlet and a supply line for conducting a gas provided at the gas inlet, the supply line being connectable to a source of a pressurized gas containing oxygen, wherein the oxygenator unit further includes a pressure relief valve provided in the supply line upstream of the oxygenator, the pressure relief valve adapted to release pressure exceeding a predetermined pressure value from the supply line, thereby preventing a critical overpressure in the oxygenator.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for improved clinical outcomes for trauma patients receiving whole blood transfusion. Methods and compositions for improved clinical outcomes for blood transfusions for cancer patients are also provided.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood cooling or heating circuit includes an intravenous catheter for withdrawing a patient's blood coupled to a combined pump/heat exchanger device. One or more sensors are provided upstream and/or downstream of the pump/heat exchanger device for measuring pressure, temperature, fluid flow, blood oxygenation, and other parameters. A controller is operatively coupled to the pump/heat exchanger device and the one or more sensors to control the speed of the pump inside the pump/heat exchanger device and regulate the blood temperature by controlling the operation of the heat exchanger. The combined pump/heat exchanger device includes a housing having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, a pump portion defining a blood circuit inside the housing, and a heat exchanger portion contained within the housing for selectively heating or cooling the blood.

Abstract: A plasma separation system and process for providing filtered plasma from a blood sample is described. The system may include a blood separation well having a separation membrane for filtering the blood sample. The filtering process may be aided by the use of a negative or positive pressure source attached to the plasma separation system.

Abstract: A method of performing closed-loop dialysis treatment during hemodialysis is provided. The method involves determining an initial ultrafiltration rate and setting an ultrafiltration pump of a dialysis system to the determined ultrafiltration rate. A series of measurements and calculations are made to ensure that a rate of change of blood volume during treatment follows a specified profile. A threshold may be used to keep the rate of change of blood volume tracking the profile. Patient fluid dynamics may be measured in real-time and used to determine the ultrafiltration pump rate.

Abstract: A device includes a pre-sample reservoir, an actuator mechanism, and a diverter. The pre-sample reservoir can be fluidically coupled to a delivery member to receive and isolate a predetermined volume of bodily-fluid withdrawn from a patient. The actuator mechanism is operably coupled to the pre-sample reservoir such that, when actuated, a negative pressure is formed in the pre-sample reservoir that urges the bodily-fluid to flow into the pre-sample reservoir. The diverter can selectively control fluid flow between the delivery member and the pre-sample reservoir. The diverter includes a flow control mechanism that defines a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. The diverter is movable between a first configuration in which the bodily-fluid flows through the first fluid flow path to the pre-sample reservoir, and a second configuration in which the bodily-fluid flows through the second fluid flow path to a sample reservoir coupled to the diverter.

Abstract: This document provides bioartificial liver (BAL) devices. Methods for making and using BAL devices also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for dynamic fractionation of a dispersed phase in a fluid. The device comprises a fractionation channel and from a first to a third injection ports. A first and a second confining fluids are injectable through the first and second injection ports, respectively. An elution fluid for transporting the dispersed phase is injectable into the channel through a third injection port which is arranged between the first and second injection ports. An end portion of the channel comprises from a first to a third terminal portion respectively arranged in correspondence to the first to the third injection ports and having a geometry such that the first and second confining fluids respectively have a first and second predefined flow rate and the elution fluid have a third predefined flow rate which is larger than the first and second predefined flow rates.

Abstract: A filtration system for a liquid comprising a container (2) having an internal container volume (11), a particulate filter portion (10) for allowing passage of the liquid into the internal container volume (11) to forma liquid sample aliquot and a first opening (14) providing access to the internal container volume (11); the filtration system further comprising a non-porous housing (4) configured to provide an internal space (28) for receiving the container (2), the internal space (28) being dimensioned to provide a volume such that the amount left unoccupied by the received container (2) is less than the internal container volume (11).

Abstract: A system and methodology for the preservation of red blood cells is described in which red blood cells are oxygen or oxygen and carbon dioxide depleted, treated and are stored in an anaerobic environment to optimize preparation for transfusion. More particularly, a system and method for extended storage of red blood cells from collection to transfusion that optimizes red blood cells prior to transfusion is described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing for the automatic instrument-based rapid reprocessing of an intact extracorporeal circuit for use in hemodialysis. The system includes a manifold with connectors for engaging a dialyzer as well as venous and arterial blood lines. The manifold is adapted to be moved from a dialysis machine to a reuse instrument without removing the dialyzer and associated blood lines. The system allows for reprocessing of the extracorporeal circuit wherein prior to the next treatment, there is no residual chemical disinfectant requiring testing, the extracorporeal circuit is pre-primed, the levels in the bubble traps are set, and all of the required quality assurance tests are performed and recorded.

Abstract: An oxygen supply unit for use with a blood oxygenator comprises an oxygen concentrator and a carbon dioxide scrubber. In an on-line operational mode, oxygen-rich gas from the oxygen concentrator is predominantly supplied to the blood oxygenator with a reduced flow of recycled gas from the concentrator. In an off-line operational mode where the oxygen supply unit is being powered by battery only, a larger flow of recycled gas from the blood oxygenator is passed through the carbon dioxide scrubber and combined with a lesser amount of oxygen-rich gas from the oxygen concentrator. The oxygen supply unit may be used in combination with a blood pump and oxygenator to provide ambulatory blood oxygenation to patients with compromised lung function.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane bundle configured to be used in an artificial lung and comprised of integrated hollow fiber membranes 31 has hollow portions through which a fluid passes. The hollow fiber membrane bundle is shaped as a cylinder body. In addition, the hollow fiber membrane 31 is tilted with respect to a central axis O of the cylinder body, is wound around the central axis O of the cylinder body, and satisfies the following conditions. An inner diameter ?d1 of the hollow fiber membrane 31 is equal to or smaller than 150 ?m, a tilt angle ? with respect to the central axis O of the cylinder body of the hollow fiber membrane 31 is equal to or smaller than 60°, and a ratio ?D1/L of an outer diameter ?D1 of the cylinder body to a length L of the cylinder body is equal to or greater than 0.4.

Abstract: A process includes removing air bubbles from extracorporeal blood via chemical entrapment of nitrogen (N2) gas.

Abstract: A fluid flow system for a patient is disclosed. A fluid drive module includes a fluid drive element, a housing, and a chamber located between the housing and the fluid drive element. A controller or control module modifies the speed of the fluid drive element during use, such as to prevent thrombus or otherwise improve flow conditions. Methods of alternating fluid flow are also provided.

Abstract: An analyzer is disclosed. The analyzer comprises a rack slot configured to receive at least one rack, wherein the rack slot comprises a front end, at which the rack is manually loadable into the rack slot, and a rear end, which is opposite to the front end and at which the rack is fully receivable in the rack slot, and a spring device arranged at the rear end, wherein the spring device is configured to provide a biasing force towards the front end, wherein the biasing force is adapted to move the rack towards the front end if not fully received in the rack slot, wherein the spring device is configured to fix the rack in a final position if the rack is fully received in the rack slot. Further, a method for loading a rack into a rack slot of an analyzer and a system comprising an analyzer and a computer controller are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for reduction of aggregate levels in antibody and other protein preparations through treatment with low concentrations of electropositive organic additives (e.g., ethacridine, chlorhexidine, or polyethylenimine) in combination with ureides (e.g., urea, uric acid, or allantoin) or organic modulators (e.g., nonionic organic polymers, surfactants, organic solvent or ureides). Some aspects of the invention relate to methods for reducing the level of aggregates in conjunction with clarification of cell culture harvest. It further relates to the integration of these capabilities with other purification methods to achieve the desired level of final purification.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for the treatment of edema. In one aspect a method for implanting an indwelling catheter within a vein of a patient is provided. The catheter can extend from a position upstream of at least one outflow port of a duct of the lymph system to a terminal position downstream of the at least one outflow port. In use, a first restriction can be created within the vein proximal to a distal region of the catheter. The first restriction can define a localized low pressure zone distal of the restriction and within a portion of the vein housing the catheter. The low pressure zone can be adjacent to the at least one outflow port to enable fluid to pass from the at least one lymph duct outflow port into the vein.

Abstract: An environmental sampling and assay system, utilizing coupons, and having an assay coupon wetting and monitoring assembly adapted to perform an assay on a coupon. The system also includes a coupon storage assembly and a coupon moving assembly, adapted to move a coupon from the coupon storage assembly to the coupon wetting and monitoring assembly. Further, the coupon storage assembly includes a first coupon magazine storing a set of first-shaped coupons and a second coupon magazine storing a set of second-shaped coupons, different in shape from the first-shaped coupons, and wherein the coupon moving assembly includes a first moveable coupon carrier, positioned to receive coupons from the first magazine, that is shaped to hold first-shaped coupons and a second moveable coupon carrier, positioned to receive coupons from the second magazine and that is shaped to hold second-shaped coupons.

Abstract: A sample smearing apparatus of an embodiment includes: a first slide glass feeder that feeds a slide glass before processing; a slide glass transporter including a slide glass holder that holds the slide glass, that is capable of receiving the slide glass at a first slide glass feeding position from the first slide glass feeder, and transports the received slide glass while holding the slide glass with the slide glass holder; and a slide processor that performs processing on the slide glass held by the slide glass holder.

Abstract: A extracorporeal system for lung assist includes a housing, a blood flow inlet in fluid connection with the housing; a blood flow outlet in fluid connection with the housing; a plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers adapted to permit diffusion of gas between blood and an interior of the hollow gas permeable fibers, the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers being positioned between the blood flow inlet and the blood flow outlet such that blood flows around the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers when flowing from the blood flow inlet to the blood flow outlet; a gas inlet in fluid connection with the housing and in fluid connection with inlets of the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers; a gas outlet in fluid connection with the housing and in fluid connection with outlets of the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers; and at least one moving element to create velocity fields in blood flow contacting the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers.

Abstract: A home therapy machine is configured to perform a home therapy on a patient at a home or dwelling of the patient. The home therapy machine includes at least one processor operating a connectivity agent having an activated mode and a deactivated mode. When the connectivity agent is in the activated mode, the at least one processor is able to send data to and receive data from a system hub. When the connectivity agent is in the deactivated mode, the at least one processor is not able to send data to or receive data from the system hub. The home therapy machine further includes a user interface configured to receive a patient selection of a device program received from the system hub and at least one pump under control of the at least one processor for performing the home therapy according to the selected device program.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided automatically removing air from a collection container for a blood product. The system comprises a disposable flow circuit including a tubing in fluid communication with the collection container and a durable hardware component. A programmable controller operates the pump in a first/forward direction to flow the target product into the collection container; determines that substantially all the target product has been pumped into the collection container; and operates the pump in the first/forward direction to pump a chase volume of air into the collection container along with any target product remaining in the tubing. In one embodiment, after the chase volume of air is pumped into the collection container, the controller operates the pump in a second/reverse direction for removing air from the collection container, and stops operation of the pump when the amount of air removed from the collection container is substantially equal to the residual volume of air.

Abstract: A blood storage container for the anaerobic storage of blood, having enhanced sealing methods and materials for the preservation of stored blood is provided.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for autoretroperfusion.

Abstract: A method and system for collecting a double volume of red blood cells using a spinning membrane separator is provided by which a first quantity of whole blood is withdrawn from a donor; a first quantity of whole blood is flowed to the spinning membrane separator; where it is separated into a first quantity of red blood cells and a first quantity of plasma. The first quantity of red blood cells and the first quantity of plasma are then flowed to respective collection containers, and at least a portion of the first quantity of plasma is returned to the donor. A second quantity of whole blood withdrawn from the donor, and then separated into a second quantity of red blood cells and a second quantity of plasma using the spinning membrane separator. The second quantity of red blood cells and the second quantity of plasma are then flowed to the respective collection containers, and at least a portion of the second quantity of plasma is returned to the donor.